How Proper Waste Management Can Tackle Marine Litter in Belize
The main source of ocean plastic pollution is land-based—80% of plastic in the ocean originates on land. But what does that really mean? And where is it coming from? The harsh reality is that litter dropped on the street doesn’t stay there. Rainwater and wind carry plastic waste into streams and rivers, and through drains, which eventually lead to the ocean. That’s why we’re proud to use our platform to partner with our Platinum Sponsor and leading provider of solid waste collection, transfer, and disposal services in the country of Belize: Belize Waste Control. As Belizeans, we have far too much to lose with our biodiversity—especially when it comes to marine pollution. Belize, renowned for the second largest barrier reef in the world, pledged to ban single-use plastic items, such as cutlery, bags, and straws, as well as Styrofoam by April 2019. The ban was finally put in place in March 2022, although questions remain over its enforcement. That means it's up to each of us individually—especially those who depend on the sea for recreation and joy, or work and food.
What Proper Waste Management Truly Means
Awareness of the need to act is growing in a region that is particularly vulnerable to marine litter and other environmental threats caused by our changing climate, such as increasingly powerful storms. As a country with so much reliance on the sea, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with issues like climate change and marine pollution, but big changes start with small steps and we all have the power to make a difference. That’s why we spoke to Sydney Griffith, Director at Belize Waste Control and a third-generation rep of the family-owned and operated company, to learn more about what proper waste management truly means in Belize.
“We collect commercial and household waste and transfer it to the dumpsite in Belize–safely. That last part is crucial because it means we can provide environmentally safe solutions to effectively transfer and ensure municipalities remain clean and healthy. It’s our part in keeping Belize clean. My grandfather started the company in 1991, and that has always been our priority—our pledge towards civic pride.”
Building Capacity For Greener Solutions in Belize
As more innovative and ‘green’ solutions to waste management arrive, Belize Waste Control commits to doing the same: implementing them while adapting them to Belize’s landscape, practicality, and environmental pressures. That looks like keeping management and staff current on international standards and policies with yearly waste management conferences, training, and capacity building. International groups specializing in sustainability consult annually to improve where necessary, too. That also starts within the office, where staff commit to no single-use plastic and management hosting in-house group lunches to cut down on any disposable waste. Capacity building goes beyond staff, and towards students too: school program partnerships mean hosting career days for office staff’s children while funding opportunities to help local youths through Belize Waste Control’s scholarship program—providing books, uniforms, and education to those in the community. Education opportunities aren’t limited to school-aged children either: staff have the option (and internal encouragement) to return to school, where full reimbursement is provided at the end of every school term. Sydney proudly shares that three out of the six office employees are currently re-enrolled in college, and about to finish their degree on the honor roll!
Ultimately, sound solid waste and resource management is the only major effective prevention because, on average, the majority of marine litter originates from on-land activities, mostly as a result of unsustainable solid waste management practices. With insight from our Premium Sponsor, Belize Waste Control, we encourage you to think twice before choosing single-use plastic, join a local coastal cleanup campaign, and most importantly, dispose of waste properly!
The Belize Game Fish is proud to welcome Belize Waste Control as a Premium Sponsor for the 14th Annual Belikin Blue Water Classic in 2023! Learn more below.
